Can a Lack of Exercise Contribute to Alcohol Abuse?

Millions of Americans in Escondido, Calif. and across the country love to exercise. Running, yoga, weight lifting and other healthy activities play an important part of many individuals’ daily routines, and it turns out there are more benefits to these activities than previously thought. A recent study has revealed that a lack of exercise is linked to a higher risk of alcohol abuse, and subsequently, the need for treatment in alcohol rehab centers, while regular exercise lowers that risk.

The study from Johns Hopkins University surveyed over 5,000 black men and women regarding their exercise habits and other behaviors, and the results found a significant link between exercise and alcohol abuse. The result: individuals who rarely or never exercised were 84 to 88 percent more likely to abuse alcohol than those who regularly exercised.

According to RedOrbit, “the trend shown here could possibly be stronger” overall, because African-Americans are generally the least likely to engage in heavy drinking out of all ethnic groups in the United States—meaning that the relationship could be even more significant in other groups.

Of course, none of this means that maintaining an active lifestyle will guarantee that someone living in Fresno will never have to seek the assistance of one of their local alcohol rehab centers. But given the fact that exercise can help stave off depression and other factors that increase the risk for alcoholism, it may be time to join your more physically active friends and start running.